Players praised for blocking the noise

Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan praised the way his side handled the pressure of being heavy favourites in Friday's semi-final win over Bristol Bears, which bodes well for Saturday's final against another historic rival in Leicester Tigers.

- John Evely

Bath, who finished top of the table with three rounds to spare, will once again be significant favourites heading to the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham this weekend for the second year in succession, having narrowly lost 25-21 to Northampton Saints in last season's final.

But this term, the context heading into the league final is completely different, with the Blue, Black and White having gained significant experience of triumphing in knockout rugby over the last 12 months, playing for an historic treble, having already lifted the Premiership Rugby Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup this campaign.

Van Graan said: “I think it’s valuable [having been in the final last year] but I wouldn't use the word experience.